Airalo is the better app overall, scoring 8.3 to 8.0. Airalo wins on 3 of the 5 scores, Vrbo on 1, with 1 tied.
International travelers who want mobile data without roaming charges
Families and groups booking a whole house, cabin or condo for a getaway
Score by score
The details
| Feature | Airalo | Vrbo |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Travel & Maps | Travel & Maps |
| Category rank | #8 of 13 | #12 of 13 |
| Developer | Airalo | Expedia Group |
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Usable for free | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone & iPad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android | ✓ | ✓ |
| Web | ✓ | ✓ |
Common questions
Is Airalo better than Vrbo?
Airalo is the better app overall, scoring 8.3 to 8.0. Airalo wins on 3 of the 5 scores, Vrbo on 1, with 1 tied.
Which is cheaper, Airalo or Vrbo?
Airalo: Free app; local eSIMs start from $4, with regional, global and unlimited plans. Vrbo: Free app; a service fee that varies by booking is added at checkout. On value for money, Airalo scores higher.
Do Airalo and Vrbo work on the same devices?
Yes, both run on iPhone & iPad, Android, Web.
Which is more private, Airalo or Vrbo?
Airalo scores higher on privacy (7.0/10). App Store label: identifiers and usage data may be used to track you; financial info, contact info, identifiers and usage may be linked to you. Google Play lists location shared for analytics.
Strengths and weaknesses
Airalo
- Online as soon as you land
- Plans for single countries or whole regions
- Home number stays active for calls and codes
- Needs an eSIM-capable, unlocked phone
- Most plans are data-only
- Tracks identifiers and usage
Airalo saves you from roaming fees and airport SIM kiosks. Pick a destination, buy a data package and install the eSIM in the app before you leave, and you're online when you land. It covers 200+ destinations with local, regional, global and unlimited plans, and you can top up and track usage as you go. Your home SIM can stay active for calls and codes. You need an eSIM-capable phone, and most plans are data-only.
Full Airalo review
Vrbo
- Entire homes, so groups get the place to themselves
- Group planning with votes and comments
- Rewards you can also spend on Expedia and Hotels.com
- A service fee that varies by booking is added at checkout
- Sponsored listings can now sit at the top of search
Vrbo only lists whole homes, so your family or group gets the entire beach house, cabin or condo with no shared spaces. Trip Planner lets everyone save favorites, vote and chat in one place, and many stays offer free cancellation. You earn and spend One Key rewards shared with Expedia. Watch the checkout total, though: a service fee that changes with each booking gets added, so compare the same home elsewhere.
Full Vrbo review
